All that glitters … can be found in Antwerp, by those in search of a romantic city break to celebrate that special day. What better way to show you care than by arranging a trip to the global centre of the diamond trading industry. You can wander through the city’s historic streets, browse the many shopping malls, relax in the lovely parks or stroll along the River Scheldt.

Antwerp sparkles by day and night and as the sun sets you will be attracted by many intimate restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels.

To complete your St Valentine’s Day trip in style then visit Diamondland, the city’s largest diamond showroom, where you can see diamond polishers and setters at work before visiting the shop to choose the jewel of your dreams. www.diamondland.be

Published in A-way, the magazine for international families in Belgium January/February 2008

For any lover high on romance, but low on cash ( and who isn’t just after Christmas ) here’s some great news. Antwerp - Europe’s diamond capital can bring a sparkle to any Valentine’s proposal, save you money, and it won’t cost a heart-sinking load to get there either.

Surprisingly the figures really do stack up. Eurolines relaxing daily coach service will get you there for £58 return and, whilst the expert craftsmen make your ring, you get to stay overnight for free at a Four Star Hotel courtesy of Diamondland.

Of course romance and being canny with your cash don’t necessarily go together, but this is a deal that is light on the wallet and very big hearted at the same time. A truly unforgettable Valentine’s proposal experience.

So whilst everyone thinks Paris is for lovers, Antwerp really has a far stronger claim. For centuries been the centre of the world’s diamond trade and you could say helping people get engaged is really part of what makes the city tick. That’s why the best diamonds are often called ‘Antwerp quality’ and ‘Antwerp Cut’. So whilst you make a little go a long way, you’ll still be buying the best.

You can find out how to make your Diamondland Engagement Booking at Diamondland.be. They’ll book you into one of the city’s best hotels and arrange for a visit to choose your ring.

Eurolines service is a direct service from the heart of London to the heart of Antwerp relaxing all the way. Booking is easy at Eurolines.co.uk.

Published on Easier Travel - www.easier.com - January 21st 2008

For a stunning proposal or wedding anniversary, Antwerp provides both the atmosphere and the stone.

It’s true that a kiss on the hand is quite Continental, but when romance is in the air and cupid is drawing back the bowstring your amour will most likely want more. Marilyn Monroe once hinted that girls were more enchanted by a particular kind of precious stone, the kind that - as Shirley Bassey pointed out - would last forever. But where should you go to combine a romantic break with the chance to find perhaps the most important stone of your life? The answer: Belgium’s second largest city, Antwerp.

Within 40 minutes of alighting from the Eurostar in Brussel, you can be arriving at Antwerp’s recently renovated Central Station, built over a century ago and dubbed the “Railway Cathedral” which makes for a special way to enter the city.

If you are considering buying loose diamonds or having a ring made, by buying in Antwerp you can easily save the cost of your trip - and have a romantic break into the bargain. For jewellery, expect to save at least 20 per cent on UK prices: there are also substantial savings to be made buying loose stones.

If you are thinking of proposing, one establishment that recognises the popularity - and importance - of a once in a lifetime engagement ring is Diamondland, Appelmansstraat 33A ( +32 3 229 2990; www.diamondland.be ), which sells loose stones and ready-made jewellery, and custom-make pieces. Ingrid Segers of Diamondland says that most of their customers who cross the Channel are in contact with the company for some time in advance, discussing their requirements and prices. A date and time is then arranged, allowing the company to have all relevant stones and designs ready for the visit. Diamondland incorporates a workshop where customers can see the best diamond polishers, setters and a goldsmith at work, transforming undistinguished stones into objects of glittering beauty. Guided tours are offered demonstrating production and explaining the four C’s - carat, colour, clarity and cut - which determine a diamond’s value.

Antwerp’s largest diamond showroom, Diamondland, has teamed up with some of the city’s leading four-star hotels to offer those who make a purchase costing over €950 (£700) one night’s accomodation at their chosen hotel. As, as with all diamonds sold by the jewellers, you’ll also receive a certificate telling you its exact specification and guaranteeing its quality.

Published in ‘The Independent’ by David Orkin - October 15th 2005

Sparkling jewels could earn agents big bucks - but do you know where to shop for rocks?

When Marilyn Monroe declared diamonds to be a girl’s best friend, there can’t have been many women who disagreed.

But these days, diamonds are an agent’s best friend too. The trade is now seeing the potential of selling engagement breaks, with operators such as Leisure Direction leading the way. The operator  has teamed up with Diamondland in Antwerp, Belgium, to offer a new engagement package,  where couples receive an £80 Diamondland voucher towards their sparkle as part of the deal.

European business manger Richard Gale said: “We’ve been getting more demand for Antwerp - mostly from couples. By putting together these engagement packages, we are doing more for clients than they can do themselves.” Once clients have booked, Leisure Direction makes their appointment at Diamondland and notes down the couple’s requirements - such as price range and cut of the diamond. There will then a selection of stones waiting for the couple on their arrival. Once they’ve chosen the stone and design, it will be made and ready for them to take home at the end of their stay.”

“The benefit of shopping in European destinations such as Brussels and Paris is that prices tend to be a third cheaper because of the relationship between the pound and the euro.” said Gale. “In addition, buying a diamond in Antwerp, means couples are purchasing direct from the buyer. It can mean a saving of up to 40%.”

Antwerp is a livelier version of nearby Bruges, with excellent shopping and restaurant. It has a buzzing nightlife, making it an appealing sell to young couples. In addition, a new high-speed Eurostar train link opening at the end of this year means a reduced journey time from Brussels.

Published in ‘Travelweekly’ - May 2006

For any lover high on romance, but low on cash here’s some great news. If you thought getting engaged would seriously damage your wealth, think again. You don’t need to skimp at all. In fact with a bit of stealth you can afford the ring and a romantic trip to Antwerp the heart of Europe’s diamond industry to buy it. Better still, whilst craftsmen make it, you get to stay overnight for free at a Four Star hotel.

Whilst everyone thinks Paris is the city for lovers, Antwerp can really make a far stronger claim. For centuries been the centre of the world’s diamond trade and you could say helping people get engaged is really part of what makes the city tick. That’s why the best diamonds are often called ‘Antwerp quality’ and ‘Antwerp cut’. So whilst you can make a little go a long way, you’ll still be buying the best.

You can find out how to book your Diamondland Engagement Booking at www.diamondland.be. They’ll book you into one of the city’s best hotels and arrange for a visit to choose your ring.

Published in ‘Eurolines Media’ by Rod Macrae - January 26th 2007

Planning on proposing?

Antwerp, the heart of Europe’s diamond industry - is THE place to go. And it is a little-known fact that if you choose one of the many shops here to have your ring made, they will put you in one of the best hotels in the city as a thank you for buying a ring with them! Find out more at www.diamondland.be

Published in ‘The Sun’ - February 6th 2007

Antwerp is bidding to be Europe’s top spot for a stylish weekend on the tiles.

Published in ‘The Sunday Times’ by Brian Schofield on October 16th 2005

Buying diamonds in Antwerp is not only a smart thing to do, it is also a wonderful experience!

A flamboyant, flashy, fun and exciting city is waiting for you!

A city made for lovers!

Read here what the international press has discovered!

In the contest for the title of world’s most romantic city, Paris seems to always come out on top. But nothing poses a threat to romance quite like predictability, so a savy lover will seek an alternative city for a cheeky weekend away. With its old world charm, café culture and cobbled streets for strolling, Antwerp is just the ticket.

Today 85% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp, so it’s impossible to resist wandering through the diamond district, located next to the impressive Central Station. Customers reap the benefit of all the competition through razor-sharp pricing. Among the largest showrooms is Diamondland, where you can watch cutters at work, choose from thousands of stones, select a setting, then watch as your diamond is set. If they don’t have the rock of your dreams, one of the dealers can even go out to the exchanges to hunt down just what you’re looking for.

Published in ‘The Hill’ by Shannon Denny - February 2007